Beaver Dams and Their Effects on Urban Streams in the Tualatin River Basin, Northwestern Oregon
Links
- Document: Report (1.8 MB pdf) , XML
- Additional Report Piece: SIR 2025-5039 - Beavers in the Tualatin River Basin, Northwestern Oregon
- Download citation as: RIS | Dublin Core
Introduction
In response to growing interest in beaver-assisted restoration in the Tualatin River Basin of northwestern Oregon, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in partnership with Clean Water Services, collected data from 2016–17 and completed a series of studies to: (1) inventory known locations of beaver dams and activity in the Tualatin River Basin, (2) estimate the number of beaver dams in the Tualatin River Basin as of 2017 and the potential number of beaver dams that could be supported with riparian vegetation improvements, and (3) assess the effects of beaver dams and ponds on storm hydrology, hydraulics, and floodplain inundation, suspended-sediment transport and deposition, and water quality along two urban stream reaches (Fanno Creek at Greenway Park and Bronson Creek between Kaiser and Saltzman Roads). This fact sheet summarizes the results of these studies and implications for beaver-assisted restoration in the Tualatin River Basin.
Suggested Citation
Jones, K.L., Smith, C.D., White, J.S., Rounds, S.A., Doyle, M.C., and Leahy, E.K., Beaver dams and their effects on urban streams in the Tualatin River Basin, northwestern Oregon: U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 2025–3022, 6 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/fs20253022
ISSN: 2327-6932 (online)
Study Area
Table of Contents
- Key Findings and Implications for the Tualatin River Basin
- Introduction
- Abundance and Distribution of Beaver Dams in the Tualatin River Basin
- Estimates of the Number of Current and Potential Beaver Dams
- Effects on Water Movement and Floodplain Inundation
- Effects on Suspended-Sediment Transport and Deposition
- Effects on Summer Water Temperature
- Water-Quality Variability in a Beaver Pond
- Implications for Management and Habitat Restoration
- Examples of Benefits and Challenges Associated with Beaver Dams and Ponds
- Full Results of the Study
- References Cited
| Publication type | Report |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
| Title | Beaver dams and their effects on urban streams in the Tualatin River Basin, northwestern Oregon |
| Series title | Fact Sheet |
| Series number | 2025-3022 |
| DOI | 10.3133/fs20253022 |
| Publication Date | September 30, 2025 |
| Year Published | 2025 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | U.S. Geological Survey |
| Publisher location | Reston, VA |
| Contributing office(s) | Oregon Water Science Center |
| Description | 6 p. |
| Country | United States |
| State | Oregon |
| Other Geospatial | Tualatin River Basin |
| Online Only (Y/N) | Y |